Jones County football coach Dwight Jones is leaving the Greyhounds after six years to become the head coach at Harris County near Columbus, Jones and Jones County principal Chuck Gibson confirmed Saturday.

Jones said he only considered the job because it would allow him to be closer to his 82-year-old mother and a daughter and grandson who live in the area.

"It's not easy to leave. We've had great support from the community and administration. You couldn't ask for more," Jones said. "And the kids have been great responding to what we've asked them to do."

Jones had only one losing season, his first, at Jones County, and in 2012 took the Greyhounds to the state playoffs for the first time since 2004. The team was 5-5 this past season.

But the chance to be closer to his family was too good to pass up, he said.

"My mom is older and can't travel well, so this will give her a chance to see us play and see her grandsons more. I think she's only been able to see three games the whole time we've been at Jones County. And I have a grown daughter there and young grandson who doesn't really know me. And my wife has a brother over there. It will be a chance to reconnect with them."